Devyn Dalton, a Canadian stunt performer and actress, played a central role in the action sequences of Christopher Nolan’s recent film adaptation of “The Odyssey.” Standing at 4-foot-5, Dalton was the stunt double responsible for portraying Odysseus during the character’s confrontation with the giant Laestrygonians, a physically demanding sequence that required significant strength and combat skills.

Dalton, 34, has built a diverse career that spans acting, stunt performance, motion capture, voice acting, and dance. She began her stunt career shortly after high school, with one of her early notable roles being the character Cornelia in the 2011 film “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” That role introduced her to intensive motion capture work, which involved thorough physical training, including three weeks of ape movement preparation, according to Dalton. She described the combination of acting and physicality as her preferred professional focus.

Consistent training remains a cornerstone of Dalton’s approach, particularly given the unpredictable nature of stunt work and its requirement for versatility. “Physically, I’m always ready to go because you get the phone call and have to be ready,” she said, acknowledging that sometimes a project comes with only a week’s notice. Before filming “The Odyssey,” she undertook targeted training to enhance her strength and combat skills in preparation for the role.

Dalton’s stature, in contrast to the much taller stunt performers she faced off against—some standing 7 feet tall—was strategically used to create forced perspective effects, enhancing the visual impact of fight scenes. This technique, which she termed “movie magic,” contributed to the dynamic portrayal of the mythological battles.

Matt Damon, who starred in the film, publicly credited Dalton on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast for her remarkable physical presence, noting that she had “the greatest arms I’ve ever seen.” Dalton welcomed the recognition, emphasizing the importance of visibility for stuntwomen in an industry historically dominated by men. She sees her role in the film as part of a broader effort to advance opportunities and acknowledgment for women in stunt work.

“There’s been a lot of women who have opened the doors, but it’s an ongoing battle always,” Dalton remarked. She expressed hope to continue paving the way for future stuntwomen, highlighting the need for greater awareness and appreciation of their work within the film industry.